alvanx
Destrier
Posts: 11
Karma: 3
Platform: Android
League: Champion
Server Region: North America
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Post by alvanx on Sept 24, 2018 23:45:33 GMT -5
I'd like to ask for advice on my next bot - should I get a Bulgasari, Falcon, or Pursuer?
My hangar, Expert III, Android:
I got to Expert III fairly quickly, which probably explains my fairly low equipment levels. Currently leveling the Inquisitor. The goal for the next weeks is to get most items at least to level 9. In addition to this hangar, I have two Scourges I just completed. Once leveled, I'd like to put them on the Inquisitor. The next bot (and possibly the last bot for the foreseeable future) I want to replace is the RDB Griffin. My plan for the last couple of weeks has been to get a Bulg next, play it with some spare Tarans first, and then see if I want to get a 3rd Scourge and put the Tarans back on the Inqui. I'm also very much taken with energy shotguns, but those aren't available in the workshop yet, and so they will have to wait a little bit.
I thought (and still mostly think) the Bulg is great because
* I need more bots with physical shields to ward of Shocktrains or energy snipers.
* I don't have a proper dasher yet. The Bulg seems like a great vanguard tank/all-purpose brawler. It can take some punishment, it can deal some punishment, and it moves reasonably fast to flank for side beacons on Yamantau or to take beacons on Dead City.
The nerf will make ST's slightly less nasty and the Bulg weaker, but as far as I can tell, it will still be viable.
Still, recent developments have made me second-guess myself. The 4.3 rebalancing will put the Falcon to the forefront. If it hits live servers with the stats it had on test server, it's going to be a monster. It looks like it will be able to fill a very similar role as the Bulg. It's also surprisingly affordable, looking at the silver you pay for components. Much cheaper than the Bulgasari, and even a few mil cheaper than my third option (the Pursuer). The biggest problem is the investment in heavy weapons that is going to delay this build by several weeks to months compared to the Bulk, unless I run it with Thunders, but even those would need some leveling. I have just a few hundred Falcon components, but I have almost 6000 for the Bulg, and I definitely have the weapons to put on the Bulg.
So my rational mind thinks the Bulg is still an option, but it's very tempted by the Falcon. The additional time and silver required, as well as the uncertainty about the end result of the buff, still make me hesitate.
But my heart really wants a Gust Pursuer. I'm in Expert 3, and I have recently been seeing an abnormal number of players getting 7 figures in damage who run a shotgun Pursuer. I do not keep bots in my hangar that do not regularly earn me triple kills, and the Pursuer could easily do that. Whenever I see a Pursuer, I make it my life's goal to kill it as fast as possible (sidelining even Spectres, Aphids, or Hydras). The Gust Pursuer might be the single biggest threat on the battle field right now (in Expert League, at least). Next to being a wonderful assaulter (just like my Mercury and Spectre), it is also an outstanding capper and vanguard bot. It would be a really valuable hangar addition, especially since my fastest bot, the Spectre, is going to be made slower. Gusts are fairly easy to lay hands on, too. But as with the Falcon, I'd have to start almost from zero. And unlike the Bulg and the Falcon, the Pursuer wouldn't be able to handle open maps as well, which is already a weakness of my hangar.
So - Bulg vs. Falcon vs. Pursuer, what are your thoughts?
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〘ѦɌ₦ΛƓΞ ✯ ฟƦ
GI. Patton
Language/offensive material
Posts: 133
Karma: 59
Pilot name: 〘ѦɌ₦ΛƓΞ ✯ ฟƦ
Platform: Android
Clan: ђęądђųŋţęŗş
League: Expert
Server Region: North America
Favorite robot: Gareth
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Post by 〘ѦɌ₦ΛƓΞ ✯ ฟƦ on Sept 25, 2018 0:10:33 GMT -5
I'd like to ask for advice on my next bot - should I get a Bulgasari, Falcon, or Pursuer?
My hangar, Expert III, Android:
I got to Expert III fairly quickly, which probably explains my fairly low equipment levels. Currently leveling the Inquisitor. The goal for the next weeks is to get most items at least to level 9. In addition to this hangar, I have two Scourges I just completed. Once leveled, I'd like to put them on the Inquisitor. The next bot (and possibly the last bot for the foreseeable future) I want to replace is the RDB Griffin. My plan for the last couple of weeks has been to get a Bulg next, play it with some spare Tarans first, and then see if I want to get a 3rd Scourge and put the Tarans back on the Inqui. I'm also very much taken with energy shotguns, but those aren't available in the workshop yet, and so they will have to wait a little bit.
I thought (and still mostly think) the Bulg is great because
* I need more bots with physical shields to ward of Shocktrains or energy snipers.
* I don't have a proper dasher yet. The Bulg seems like a great vanguard tank/all-purpose brawler. It can take some punishment, it can deal some punishment, and it moves reasonably fast to flank for side beacons on Yamantau or to take beacons on Dead City.
The nerf will make ST's slightly less nasty and the Bulg weaker, but as far as I can tell, it will still be viable.
Still, recent developments have made me second-guess myself. The 4.3 rebalancing will put the Falcon to the forefront. If it hits live servers with the stats it had on test server, it's going to be a monster. It looks like it will be able to fill a very similar role as the Bulg. It's also surprisingly affordable, looking at the silver you pay for components. Much cheaper than the Bulgasari, and even a few mil cheaper than my third option (the Pursuer). The biggest problem is the investment in heavy weapons that is going to delay this build by several weeks to months compared to the Bulk, unless I run it with Thunders, but even those would need some leveling. I have just a few hundred Falcon components, but I have almost 6000 for the Bulg, and I definitely have the weapons to put on the Bulg.
So my rational mind thinks the Bulg is still an option, but it's very tempted by the Falcon. The additional time and silver required, as well as the uncertainty about the end result of the buff, still make me hesitate.
But my heart really wants a Gust Pursuer. I'm in Expert 3, and I have recently been seeing an abnormal number of players getting 7 figures in damage who run a shotgun Pursuer. I do not keep bots in my hangar that do not regularly earn me triple kills, and the Pursuer could easily do that. Whenever I see a Pursuer, I make it my life's goal to kill it as fast as possible (sidelining even Spectres, Aphids, or Hydras). The Gust Pursuer might be the single biggest threat on the battle field right now (in Expert League, at least). Next to being a wonderful assaulter (just like my Mercury and Spectre), it is also an outstanding capper and vanguard bot. It would be a really valuable hangar addition, especially since my fastest bot, the Spectre, is going to be made slower. Gusts are fairly easy to lay hands on, too. But as with the Falcon, I'd have to start almost from zero. And unlike the Bulg and the Falcon, the Pursuer wouldn't be able to handle open maps as well, which is already a weakness of my hangar.
So - Bulg vs. Falcon vs. Pursuer, what are your thoughts?
I have a Bulwark at lv7 with dual Avegers at lv8. At that level-even against far superior Expert League players- it is a complete monster. I have no problems dispatching higher leveled bots unless it's another Bulwark. The one bot that keeps catching me with my pants down is the Gust Pursuer. Dam thing makes me feel like my Bully is just another buff Geopard. I have a Falcon and Bulgasari as well, and the Falcon takes the cake. It can soak up soooooo much damage it's pathetic. I really do wish for a Pursuer over the Falcon IMO, but that's probably because I've already tasted the Falcon. I'm also in Expert 3 with fairly low lv equipment. |
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Tarastir
Destrier
Posts: 68
Karma: 44
Pilot name: Tarastir
Platform: Android
League: Expert
Server Region: Europe
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Post by Tarastir on Sept 25, 2018 0:25:41 GMT -5
I've checked the Falcon on the test Server last weekend, with 3 Heavy Weapons... And I'm not impressed  When you want to use all weapons every Red shoots at you and you die. I think that Falcon should get more speed, or maybe change the duration and cooldown on his ability. Like shorter duration and shorter cooldown. Or change it, so the moment you press the button you jump? He's not that fast too. Bulwark is great, but I liked it more with Dragoons - you can decide when to hide and recharge your shield. Avengers would be great if you could reload them manually. Bulg will be hit with a Nerfhammer next patch, so prob Pursuer is the best of the 3. |
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Post by T34 on Sept 25, 2018 1:44:53 GMT -5
If I had those choices I would go with the pursuer. Such a fun bot to play and he is effective. But what would swing it for me towards the pursuer is that a gust can be levelled to 11 in 13 days and "only" costs 40M Silver. So a budget of 39 days and 120M for weapons. In comparison 3 embers would require 144 days and wait for it...... 350M Ag to L11. It has to be a no brainer.
Having said all that the new bots are coming and all this stuff is going to be cycled out shortly. But then again even more reasons for grabbing the cheapest option in the interim.
Edit: with a pursuer you can also chase after beacons and it is a pleasure to arrive at the centre a bit late but cleaning up who ever is there. |
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Post by Koalabear on Sept 25, 2018 7:58:52 GMT -5
Your hangar is pretty strong! Here are my thoughts.
Drop the RDB Griffin for a Tulu Bulg. It is, and will remain an excellent mid range all rounder. Drop the Ancilot for either the Gust Pursuer or Falcon. Change the Mercury to Avenger/Gust, or if you get the Pursuer change it to something else, like Avenger/Punisher or Shredder or Halo. If you get a Falcon, try Avenger/Orkans/Tarans. I'm planning a triple Chimera Falcon for myself.
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Post by mechtout on Sept 25, 2018 8:04:28 GMT -5
Falcon is a tank now.
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Post by hi5 on Sept 25, 2018 8:20:11 GMT -5
It’s a tough time to plan a hangar or even give sound advice. 4.3 and the new bots will cause major shifts.
I’m partial to persuer but 4.3 might nerf gusts a little. If you replace the RDB you don’t have any midrange, which will be helpful in E as you start to face really high level players more often. A tulu Bulg (or spec) could fill that role. Scourge Ink could be that too.
Falcon and dragoon Bulwark appear to be the primary beneficiaries of 4.3 but I’ve never played them outside skirmish or run them on the 4.3 TS so can’t advise here.
Go with what will be the most fun to play.
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Post by Koalabear on Sept 25, 2018 8:37:03 GMT -5
It’s a tough time to plan a hangar or even give sound advice. 4.3 and the new bots will cause major shifts. I’m partial to persuer but 4.3 might nerf gusts a little. If you replace the RDB you don’t have any midrange, which will be helpful in E as you start to face really high level players more often. A tulu Bulg (or spec) could fill that role. Scourge Ink could be that too. Falcon and dragoon Bulwark appear to be the primary beneficiaries of 4.3 but I’ve never played them outside skirmish or run them on the 4.3 TS so can’t advise here. Go with what will be the most fun to play. Go with what's fun is always the best advice! I'm not too sure of the viability of Scourges in the long run. It's getting harder to use them, what with all the stealth bots running and jumping around. Tulus I think will always be relevant. What about the Trident? Any news on the rebalance of that? |
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alvanx
Destrier
Posts: 11
Karma: 3
Platform: Android
League: Champion
Server Region: North America
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Post by alvanx on Sept 26, 2018 23:34:39 GMT -5
Thanks for all the great advice, folks! You all hav been really helpful thinking through my options (which is why I haven't responded sooner, sorry).
I don't think I'm going with a Falcon at this point. The cost and the vulnerability with Fangs Out make me want to wait to see how well it holds up...
If I had those choices I would go with the pursuer. Such a fun bot to play and he is effective. But what would swing it for me towards the pursuer is that a gust can be levelled to 11 in 13 days and "only" costs 40M Silver. So a budget of 39 days and 120M for weapons. In comparison 3 embers would require 144 days and wait for it...... 350M Ag to L11. It has to be a no brainer.
Having said all that the new bots are coming and all this stuff is going to be cycled out shortly. But then again even more reasons for grabbing the cheapest option in the interim.
Edit: with a pursuer you can also chase after beacons and it is a pleasure to arrive at the centre a bit late but cleaning up who ever is there. This is a very valid point and probably tips me toward a Pursuer! After playing my hangar a few times today after the release of 4.3, it's strangely, of all things, the speed nerf on the Spectre that makes me miss a real capper. I used to be able to drop my Spectre, get to the center of Yamantau at the same time as red Kumis, kill 2 of them, and take the beacon. No longer. I need a faster bot! Your hangar is pretty strong! Here are my thoughts. Drop the RDB Griffin for a Tulu Bulg. It is, and will remain an excellent mid range all rounder. Drop the Ancilot for either the Gust Pursuer or Falcon. Change the Mercury to Avenger/Gust, or if you get the Pursuer change it to something else, like Avenger/Punisher or Shredder or Halo. If you get a Falcon, try Avenger/Orkans/Tarans. I'm planning a triple Chimera Falcon for myself. You gave me a lot to think. Thanks for the tip about trying an Avenger on the Mercury - I didn't realize it apparently outshoots a Thunder even at knife-fighting distance! I had never considered a Tulu Bulg, but it might be a great option. If I go with the Bulg, which I haven't completely ruled out yet, I'll probably run that setup. I'm really enjoying having at least two bots that can shoot further than 350m...
That said, I will likely keep the Ancilot around, at least for now. The buff made it noticably more solid, and it has to be said that all of my other bots are rather fragile princesses. The Ancilot can be really valuable when the Hydras are flying, or to take a badly-guarded center beacon, or when you have to cross open space on a sniper-infested map, or as a surprise drop to defend a beacon against even 2-3 lighter assailants. It's my only bot that can shrug off some punishment right now.
But if I do get a Bulg later, I don't know if I want to run an Inqui, Ancilot, and Bulg all in the same hangar. One of them will have to make way.
I’m partial to persuer but 4.3 might nerf gusts a little. If you replace the RDB you don’t have any midrange, which will be helpful in E as you start to face really high level players more often. A tulu Bulg (or spec) could fill that role. Scourge Ink could be that too. Agree 100%! Good analysis. If I get the Pursuer, the Scourge Ink will have to fill that midrange role by itself, and time will tell if that works out. While a Scourge/Avenger setup has the right range, I really consider it a "flexible-range" setup, better suited for harrassing opponents just outside their range while closing in. So my guess is at some point I'll run Tulus again... I'm not too sure of the viability of Scourges in the long run. It's getting harder to use them, what with all the stealth bots running and jumping around. Tulus I think will always be relevant. What about the Trident? Any news on the rebalance of that? I'm somewhat optimistic that Pixonic didn't make Scourges completely useless. They are really going out of their way to emphasize 4.3 isn't here to make the setups dominating the previous meta weaker than the buffed items, it's more about providing more options on par with the meta.
Plus, they seem to have de-emphasized the stealth meta somewhat. With the Spectre nerfed and the Inquisitor curiously non-existent in the rebalancing, we might even see fewer stealth bots around than in the past. There are now a lot more potential top tier bots that don't use stealth.
The Trident wasn't mentioned in the context of the 4.3 rebalancing, but I think it was run on test server recently. Apparently still not worth it, if you listen to Manni. |
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When you want to use all weapons every Red shoots at you and you die. I think that Falcon should get more speed, or maybe change the duration and cooldown on his ability. Like shorter duration and shorter cooldown. Or change it, so the moment you press the button you jump? He's not that fast too.
